Sunshine Rodgers's Blog - Posts Tagged "inspirational"

So I’m the one that cleans the entire house! That’s right! Room to room, counter to sink, bathtub to carpet! I am on my hands and knees scrubbing, soaking and washing. Though my husband is very orderly and is clean in his own right, I still take the designated time to pre-soak and bleach to make the house look perfect.

And I can be tempted to think, as Travis sits and plays his video games, “How come I’m the one cleaning?”

And I can hear God say, “Be thankful. You didn’t have this before. There was a time when you didn’t have this house. There was a time when you didn’t have a husband.”

And I became so thankful in the moment! I was instantly brought back to that time when it was just me in my one bedroom apartment where I would have to go to a tiny laundramat to wash my clothes and where my living room and kitchen connected into one small room. And I would be wondering all the while, in my years and years of singleness, where is the man for me?

I can use this revelation for anything: My job is stressing me out. I don’t have much of a social life now that I am a professional writer. My car is having issues.

But it is perfectly okay! Because I remember a time when I didn’t have any of this and I am so grateful I do now. And I am anxious to show my appreciation by accepting the good with the bad, the wonderful with the complacent, the highs and the lows. I am just grateful I’m not where I used to be because I know there was a time when I didn’t have this before....and I very much want it now...and I very much want to keep it...

In fact, I’ll stop and praise God so that He can bless me with more!

“I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saint.” - Psalm 52:9

I need to note: my husband is not lazy or apathetic. He cooks the meals so I don’t have to. I would much rather clean than cook!

If there is anything you need prayer for, let me know. I would love to pray with you

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

So you may have noticed I haven't posted a blog in a little while.

Every 3 months, my husband and I go on a 21 day hiatus and just create a retreat with God in our own home. We ask for prayer requests and just spend that time in deep intercession for other people and for ourselves. And honestly, we just watch God move like crazy!! Our prayers get answered so quickly and its amazing. Travis and I live a lifestyle of fasting and praying, so during this "retreat" is a designated "God-time."

No blogging. No encouragement emails were sent out. I was online a lot less. This wasn't a time of sharing; this was a time of impartation and intimacy with the Father.

Those who were prayed for *did* hear from us and got a text-version of our prayers to them. And all those we prayed for, we believe that God will move in your lives and are expecting tremendous praise reports!

Also, during that time, people kept giving us free stuff! And at the end of that time, I got a new car I could pay full in cash and also *right* after the retreat, I sold more books in the Barnes and Noble signing than I've ever had with any of my other signings.

I say this to remember, we chase down God. He does the rest. He opens the doors. He adds the supernatural to our natural to do the impossible. But it's time with Him, it's focus on Him, its loving on Him….and THAT's when the blessings will chase you down!

I would just encourage you in your walk. Let's get back to the basics of our faith. Let's not get too caught up in ministry -work where we forget the meaning behind what we do. Let's pause our agendas. Let's put aside distractions and just sit…just be…just come back to the feet of Jesus.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:38 - 42

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

So I hate the expression "Like a Boss." I have heard that so many times. #Boss trends as a means to become a status-ed, qualified, good-for-you, all-eyes-on-you, let's-applaud-you….as we expect you to be over us somehow or more entitled by all your achievements and accolades. You are truly the boss and we are supposed to just stand in the shadow of your talent.

I really like the movie, Brad's Status and in one scene Brad meets up with his old friend from college, Graig, whom since then has become a famous "celebrity" of sorts working in politics. Graig talks to Brad only to keep the conversation mostly on himself and his family's successes. He doesn't stay on Brad's lfie for every long before turning the tables in the conversation, almost demanding applause. And what happens towards the end of the conversation? Brad just about has it…with the fake desperate attempt for approval, the need to be liked, the constant limelight from his "friend":

BRAD: I just... I’m trying to be real
with you. I mean, it’s like...what is your deal?

CRAIG: What do you mean?

BRAD: My mother died - you never said
anything, man.

CRAIG: I’m confused. What’s going on?

BRAD: Are you my friend? You know? Are
we even... what are we? Like right now I’m feeling like... I just know what
I’m feeling and it’s not...

CRAIG: Are you okay?

BRAD: it’s like... I’m just done - with
this. Whatever this is.

I watch this scene and I am convicted. I never never want to be someone who is so successful and not present with people, not there for people, not caring about people.

I don't want to be a #Boss. I strip myself of everything that is keeping me away from pure, honest, wholesome human interaction and quality time and purposeful love.

I want to a #Servant and no matter my position, no matter my title…

I want to make sure I am a friend first. Success should NEVER precede relationship.

If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

So I work at Walt Disney World and I deal with masses amount of people going in and out of the attraction! And it can be exhaustive to handle thousands of guests questions and crazy activity going on at once! I have trained myself to use the "spotting technique" dancers use out on the dance floor.


Spotting is a technique used by dancers during the execution of various dance turns. As a dancer turns, spotting is performed by rotating the body and head at different rates. While the body rotates smoothly at a relatively constant speed, the head periodically rotates much faster and then stops, so as to fix the dancer's gaze on a single location. Dancers will sometimes focus on an actual visual spot if one is available (e.g., a light or other object).

When I work at Disney, I will focus my attention on the wall or a piece of the attraction that is stable and un-move-able as to not get overwhelmed by the ruckus around me,

I found myself remembering that when life is getting out of control and I am losing it, and I am just in a mesh of activity and can't seem be able to function...I have to remind myself to keep my eyes on something stable, something un-move-able to not feel overhwlemed...THE ROCK of my salvation! :


" fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Hebrews 12:2

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord." - Psalm 16:8

Psalm 123:2 “We keep looking to the LORD our God for his mercy."

Colossians 3:1 “Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.”

Hebrews 3:1 “Therefore, holy brothers, partners in a heavenly calling, keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.”

If you are a dancer, if you are a worker, if you are one who lives in this constantly revolving world...I want to remind you to move with the "spotting technique!" God, I am looking at you no matter what!



If you have any prayer requests, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

My love language is Encouragement ; I love to lift people up, tell them I'm proud of them and tell them how awesome they are! What most people don't know is the WHY I am so adamant on encouraging others.



Well, I don't have a family who tells me their proud of me. I publish a book and the silence of my blood relatives is a deafening remind that I am alone in this. And silence can speak volumes. It says: I don't care. Your work doesn't mean anything. And I'm sorry, who are you again?



I have been faced with loneliness, with abandonment and the feeling where those who are supposed to love you... don't care. Throughout the years I have learned how to encourage myself. How to lift myself up. How to give myself pep talks and to rely on God to fill in the gaps! Depending on Him and recieving His love has kept me this far! Now, I definitely don't want to dismiss my older brother and Nana who have been a constant in my life. And I married someone who supports me no matter what.



But when you risk and you fail; when you fall and you wonder about life; when you feel hopeless or helpless; when you don't know where to go or what to do; when you wonder if its all worth it... you need that extra dose of encouragement and someone just to tell you you: Hey! You're doing fine! Everything's fine! Just relax! Trust in yourself. Trust in God. It's going to be okay.



I made a promise to myself to be available to everyone and anyone who needs me. I wanted to be the big sister to all those near me; the ones who need a verbal hug, the ones who need a gentle reminder, the ones who need some love and support.



From someone who knows what its like to go without that - - - I know how strong it is!



"Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

- Proverbs 16:24



If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

So there are a lot of methods that can help you as you keep running the race.



I think of the methods taught to runners on how to handle their breathing: "Inhale for three steps, exhale for two, inhale for three steps, exhale for two. Finally, of course, try out your rhythmic breathing on a run—inhaling for three footstrikes and exhaling for two."

This can monitor their efforts and they can keep going past the pain and continue even with the long stretch in front of them.



This also reminds me of the Lamaze methods of childbirth were techniques of breathing are taught to stay ahead of the contractions: "Slow Breathing. Take an organizing breath—a big sigh as soon as the contraction begins. Focus your attention. Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, allowing all your air to flow out with a sigh." This method helps those who are suffering painful agony and wish it to be over.



The moral? JUST BREATHE!!!



No matter what you are going through, just breathe! You are going to be okay!



Are you surrounded by hurt and anger and depression. just Breathe. You will get through this!

Are you not seeing the end in sight. Just breathe and keep running.

Are you wondering about purpose or your career or a situation you can't seem to control. Just breathe. It'll get easier. You can mange everything. You'll figure it out.



I feel like there are a lot of Just breathe verses in the Bible :

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” - Mark 6:31

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” - Exodus 33:14



If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

Taken from the book “The Richest Man who ever lived” by Steven Scott

“The truth is, more money, better looks, better health, a better job, a better marriage, and even a longer life are really only a means to an end. What you really want is one level deeper than that. What you really want is happiness.

What keeps us from being truly happy?

** looking for happiness in the wrong places
Acquiring anything that lacks eternal purpose or value was empty in its power to provide true happiness. No matter what material things a person acquires, they soon lose its appeal, and the temporary happiness they provided subsides.

** A Lack of gratefulness
No matter what reasons you have to be ungrateful, there are even more and better reasons to be grateful.
We should be grateful for a wealth of things on our lives and days that we take completely for granted.
Any moment, hour, day or week that you are unhappy, you have chosen to let your focus rest on something other than the gifts you have been given.

** Envy
Envy takes your eyes off what you have and focuses your attention on what you don't have. It reflects an attitude of arrogance and entitlement. When you are envious, misery and ultimately depression reign supreme.

** A Sense of entitlement
As long as our heart is focused upon what we don't have and on what we think we're entitled to, we will not be happy!

** Foolishness
The person who trusts solely in his own heart is ultimately betting his future upon his own finite knowledge and the whims of his feelings. No wonder Solomon calls this foolishness.

Overcoming the barriers to personal happiness:
1. develop a grateful heart
2. Eliminate your sense of entitlement
3. root out the weed of envy
4. Start living wisely "



If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

So when someone is cured of cancer, they ring a bell located in the hospital to announce that they are cancer-free; that their battle is over and that this is the first day of the rest of their lives being healed! This sound is such a much-need noise to the others still fighting their own battles in the hospital - when they hear that bell, they feel stronger, hopeful, more resislient to push through their pain thinking all the while...if *that* person can be cured of cancer, then one day I can ring that bell and announce that freedom myself.



I haven't experienced this but I have been in another situation that is a lot less intense. I found my wedding dress at David's Bridal and when I found my dress, I rang the bell in the store as workers applauded. This sound is such a much -needed noise to the others still searching, still stressed out from the process, still wondering if they too, will ever find what they are looking for. But when they hear that sound, they feel hopeful, more resilient in searching...thinking all the while if *that* one person can find the perfect dress, surely I can find it too.



I say all these scenarios bevcause there is a sound in your own life that you can ring out to others! There was a struggle you went through that you are personally healed from. Shout it from the roof tops! There is a relationship that was abusive that you found freedom from!! Tell others! There was a long waiting process but now you have your goal in your hand. Ring out your victory!



Tell others the hope they need to hear. Ring out the truth on how you survived, how you endured, how you lived through it. Don't hold back. Be that voice of hope for someone today!! They need to hear it!! They need to know not to give up, as you had to hear it yourself when you were going through your struggle all that time ago.



If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you.

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

I recall a comic strip I saw years ago. It was of a man riding an elephant into town and he was so proud of his magnificent creature. Everyone else was just out walking their dog or cat, but he had this beauty to show off. In one scene, the owner of the dog had a little poop-scooper while comparatively the owner of the elephant held a huge shovel!



I used to live 10 minutes from the beach and I absolutely loved it! I was able to go visit the sand and the rushing waves any time I wanted, and I did! There wasn't a weekend where I wasn't staring at the ocean! I live in a more central location now, and I visited the beach just recently, and it pained me to see the water and the ocean-view, remembering that time, wondering why I left. And then God whispered the answer to me. I remember living by the beach and it would storm, hail and rain a lot. The flooding was unlike anything I've ever seen! I would have to move my small car to a more higher altitude so that it wouldn't "drown". Driving to work, cars would be stuck off to the side as I barely made it to my destination!





There's a line from Aladdin that really sticks out to me.

Aladdin: You want to be a genie? You got it! And everything that goes with it!



It comes down to...taking the good in with the bad. Just remeber this when you are getting exactly what you want. There is a price tag to favor.



If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby

I was taking a vacation at the beach recently and I woke up around sunrise. I went out to my balcony to watch the view and noticed that there were people already out on the beach with their folded chairs and phones taking pictures of the sun as it was rising.



I immediately thought of a scene from the movie, City of Angels, where the angels stationed on Earth would all gather around the beach to watch the sunrise and just marvel at how good God is.



What is it about God's beauty that just draws us in?



I then go down to the beach and I wanted to take a good picture of the sun rays as it makes its debut behind the clouds. I notice the path on the water where the sun was shining was in front of this couple sitting on lawn chairs. I was moving closer to the water and noticed a rather surprising, though I should have known, that when I got to the water's edge, the path on the water was now facing ME.



Oh! The light follows where I am!



I immediately thought of the verse: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. - James 4:8



I would like to challenge you this week to breathe and take in all of God's goodness just following you!! And praising Him for pursuing you as you just receive His blessings!



If you need prayer for anything, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers
God The Father Jesus The Big Brother Holy Spirit The Best Friend
Last Night, When I Prayed
This Is My Heaven
After You: A Demon Is Always Lurking Nearby